Atlanta’s Table 1280: That’s What I Call Service

“The kitchen is closed but the bar has a bar menu you can order from,” the cook at Table 1280 in Atlanta, Ga., said to me and a work colleague as we walked into the restaurant just shy of 9 p.m. Meanwhile, other colleagues were the only patrons sitting in the bright, white restaurant, enjoying their appetizers.

“Oh, okay,” I said, feeling a bit defeated. We turned around and headed toward the bar which also had bright, white walls and stunning, red mod chairs in the center of the lounge.

“Good evening, ladies, would you like to come in for dinner?” Or it was something like that the bubbly hostess (or manager?) said. She was all smiles and her friendliness radiated like a warm fireplace on a cold night (as it was in Atlanta, in the 30s).

“Well, we understand the kitchen is closed so we’ll just go to the bar,” I said.

She gave us the option saying the kitchen was indeed open and staff would be happy to serve us. We ended up sitting in the table next to our colleagues which was also next to a window wall and overlooked The Woodruff Art Center’s courtyard.

Atlanta's High Museum Near Table 1280 Restaurant

I glanced back to the kitchen grill which was in full view of the dining area and the cook who turned us away said something to our server. I had an inkling the cook wasn’t happy with our presence and feared we wouldn’t be welcomed, since the hostess who seated us left for the night. Instead, I was pleasantly surprised.

Our server was outstanding. He didn’t rush us, was patient, friendly, professional and overall a pretty darn good server.

Dinner began with a $25 bottle of Pinot Grigio (had a budget to work with), the main course was a slightly spicy striped bass with tender fingerling potatoes (just under $20) and ended with an assortment of heavenly fruit-themed desserts – cinnamon apple filled crepes, an apple crisp, sorbet and a yellow-type cake. Mmm, mmm. Advantage of being the last diners of the evening meant we got the pantry leftovers for a steal! Of course, it meant a little more of a tip for our server.

Without a doubt, excellent and welcoming service at Table 1280 made my meal taste a whole lot better, although I’m sure it would be delicious with a mediocre experience. Would I consider dining there again? Absolutely! I may have to bring a heartier appetite for the three-course, $25 menu.

Table 1280 Fruit-Themed Desserts, Atlanta, Ga.

About Table 1280
The restaurant is located at The Woodruff Arts Center, Atlanta’s cultural hub and location for a variety of performances. The center includes the High Museum of Art. The restaurant is chic and simple with white being the dominate color (white’s a color, right?) with bars of fluorescent-looking lights displaying pops of pale color on the restaurant’s back wall.

Table 1280 is open for lunch Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and dinner Tuesday through Thursday, 5 to 9:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 5 to 10:30 p.m. The lounge is open Tuesday through Saturday, 3 to 11 p.m. and Sunday 3 to 8 p.m. Brunch is served Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Table 1280 is closed for dinner on Sunday and closed all day Monday. Reservations recommended.

Originally from Buffalo, N.Y., a hiking trail led Jennifer Huber, aka: Solo Travel Girl, to a career path in tourism. She has worked in the tourism industry for more than 20 years including 10 years with a park management company in Yellowstone, Death Valley and Everglades National Park. She currently lives in Southwest Florida, and maintains this travel blog with the goal of inspiring others to travel alone, not lonely.